Why AI will save the world: More empathetic than humans and should be built fast, says VC Marc Andreessen

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic of discussion lately, thanks to advanced AI tools such as ChatGPT, Google's Bard, and Microsoft's Bing gaining popularity.

People have different views on AI some welcome these tools as helpful aids, while others express concerns about their development.

Some experts have even raised the possibility of AI becoming sentient and posing a threat to humanity.

However, venture capitalist Marc Andreessen holds a different viewpoint.

He believes that AI is naturally "empathetic" and is unlikely to exhibit destructive behaviour.

Understanding AI

In his blog post titled "Why AI Will Save the World," Marc Andreessen tackles common misconceptions about AI.

He emphasizes that AI is not a malicious entity out to harm humans but rather an application of mathematics and software code.

Andreessen explains that AI empowers computers to understand, combine, and generate information in a manner similar to human thinking processes.

Application of AI

AI operates on a fundamental process of input, processing, and output, similar to other computer programs.

Its output has significant value in various fields such as coding, medicine, law, and creative arts.

It is crucial to acknowledge that AI is owned and controlled by humans, serving as a tool created by and for people.

The Empathetic Side of AI

Marc Andreessen highlights an often overlooked aspect of AI: its empathetic potential.

He argues that AI can actually humanise experiences.

For example, AI-driven art allows individuals without technical skills to express and share their creative ideas.

Also, interacting with empathetic AI companions can help people better handle challenges.

Surprisingly, medical chatbots powered by AI have shown more empathy than their human counterparts.

Instead of a cold and mechanical future, AI's infinite patience and compassion can contribute to a warmer and kinder world.

Building AI

According to Marc Andreessen, it is crucial for large corporations to adopt a fast and proactive approach to AI development.

By harnessing the potential of these leading companies, which symbolise the peak of modern capitalism, society can fully enjoy the advantages that AI brings.

However, Andreessen also emphasizes the need to prevent regulatory capture and the formation of monopolies that exploit the concept of AI risk as a shield against market competition.